I firmly believe that loneliness is one, if not the most pressing issue in today's society. We live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but there are those of us who are depressed. Ads for dating services clog e-mail inboxes and radio airwaves, and shows like "Paradise Hotel" and "Mr. Personality" must exist for a legit reason (other than the obvious: boredom and lack of corporate creativity). Loneliness plagues every human being at one time or another, and this summer I was really starting to taste the bitter tears of the solitary routine.
-á
So because my roommate and I are never home at the same time and because our apartment just was not messy enough, I decided it was finally time to seek out a special someone with whom to share my life. As luck would have it, I ended up with two.
-á
The first is a brown, tiger-striped, female tabby cat that had once belonged to my little sister's ex-boyfriend, Chris. His family had a number (two) of adult female cats that had given birth to a number (roughly 13 jillion) of kittens fathered by a number (one) of adult male cats. I was drawn to her immediately because, let's face it, it's hard to not notice a cat whose ears are bigger than its entire head. I named her Yoda and informed Chris that if he gave her away before I came back to claim her he would feel the Force ... of my foot against his rear end.
-á
I came a few weeks later and looked forward to seeing Yoda again and bringing her home. When I walked into my house, I did not hear the pitter-patter of four little feet, but eight. I suddenly knew how mothers who have twins but do not expect them feel. I asked my mother why there were two cats, assuming that she had gotten the second one for the house for decorative purposes. In her best baby kitty voice she replied, "Yoda needed a fwiend."
-á
I was a little perturbed at first because my apartment complex only allows for one domesticated animal per apartment, and I would be in the doghouse (Ha!) if they ever found out that I had two. But the second kitten grew on me, so I decided that they weighed less as a unit than some dogs do by themselves. Plus, my mom had named him Obi Wan, and who was I to break up the Jedi Council?
-á
I drove four hours back to Muncie and let the cats out of the bag (or box, as it were) and allowed them to explore my apartment. Let it be known that curiosity does not, in fact, kill the cat. I would be willing to bet that nothing kills the cat judging from the feats I have witnessed, including but not limited to several hard landings that definitely were not on their feet and a battle to the death with a surge protector.
-á
Needless to say, having pets is very similar to what I imagine having kids will be like except my kids will, God willing, be able to prepare their own food and get part-time jobs.
-á
I could go on, but I'm afraid I feel a great disturbance in the Force.
-á
It must be dinnertime.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
